Master's Programme in Earth Science – Hydrology/Hydrogeology

The first semester starts with a choice between the courses Dynamics of Earth Systems - Global Change and Applied Geoinformatics or Exploration and Environmental Geophysics. The course Dynamics of Earth Systems - Global Change provides a chance to explore the current research on Earth systems, interactions between Earth systems and how they change with time. The applied GIS course offers case studies relevant to the different areas within Earth Sciences.

These are followed by a course in presentation and publication that provides training and experience in presentation skills alongside courses in hydrochemistry as well as statistical and data analysis.

The second semester starts with courses in hydrological processes and environmental assessment. The hydrological processes course focuses on different aspects of the hydrological cycle and how to qualitatively and quantitatively describe water flow and storage of water within the hydrological cycle. They are followed by a course in the ground and surface water modelling in parallel with a course in field techniques and methods.

The third semester of the specialisation starts with a set of three courses. One of the courses focuses on the distribution and treatment of drinking water. The second course investigates the interplay between hydrological regimes, society and our land use and how hydrological resources (dams and reservoirs) are used to meet society's needs. The third course is a seminar course on current research topics within physical geography and hydrology. The semester ends with two parallel courses, where one course investigates the physical and chemical properties of natural snow, ecology as well as the energy balance and melt dynamics of snow-covered landscapes. The second course is studying the disaster cycle (mitigation, preparation, response and recovery) about natural hazards.

The fourth and last semester of the specialisation is a degree project in the form of an independent project.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

The teachers in the Master's Programme in Earth Science are experts in their respective fields, giving you up-to-date contact with front-line research in an open and creative educational atmosphere. The teaching consists of a balanced mix of theoretical and practical work providing experience in both research and industry-oriented applications. Excursions, fieldwork and study visits are included in some courses.

Instruction in the Master's programme builds on your experience and knowledge from your previous education. You are expected to actively participate and contribute to the learning environment and take responsibility for your own and others' learning. The teachers are responsible for creating opportunities for active learning at the individual and group level. Purposeful and respectful dialogue between teachers and students contributes to the constant improvement and development of courses.

Examination generally includes written exams, complemented by seminar presentations/discussions, project work, laboratory work and field reports.

The Master's Programme in Earth Science, specialising in Hydrology/Hydrogeology, prepares you with skills and knowledge for a career as a professional hydrologist or hydrogeologist in environmental and natural resource management and in academia.

Our graduates work at, for example, AECOM, Berg AB and Sveco Environment AB. Jobs include hydrogeologist, hydrologist, environmental consultant, etc. The programme also provides good opportunities for postgraduate education with subsequent research careers.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.